Rutherford County is blessed with three greenway systems that connect urban and rural experiences and reflect the best of the area. Whether you want a leisurely stroll or a challenging run, you’re sure to find beautiful scenery, wildlife and educational opportunities on our local greenways.
Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro’s Greenway System includes seven sections with more than 17 miles of trails, bridges, and boardwalks for enjoying the beautiful natural setting. Sixteen trailheads give access for hiking, walking, running, wading, bicycling, skating, nature photography, picnicking, birdwatching, fishing, and countless other ways to enjoy nature.
Three blueways points, at Manson Pike Trailhead, Thompson Lane Trailhead and Walter Hill Trailhead/Recreation Area, provide paddlers access to the Stones River.
With so many choices, it’s hard to know where to begin. Kristin Hopkins, Natural Resource Manager of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department, recommends the north greenway from Walter Hill Park to Central Valley Trailhead and the horse trail loop beyond. “It follows the bluffs along the east fork of the Stones River, with some of the prettiest and most peaceful overlooks. There are also many large trees and stone outcrops.”
Historic Cannonsburgh Village, with a full slate of activities, sits at the trailhead of the Lytle Creek Greenway, the first section, built in the 1990s.
A few trailheads, like General Bragg and Cason, feature dog parks, playgrounds and public restrooms. “Barfield Park trailhead starts the greenway at the southernmost point in one of our largest and most beautiful parks,” Kristin says.
Pro Tip: Know Before You Go
Plan ahead to get the most out of your greenway experience. Know which trailheads have restrooms and where the parking is. Watch the weather and dress appropriately! Most of Murfreesboro’s greenways sit along the riparian area of the Stones River, which often floods during heavy rain events.
Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Parkway, comprises 430 acres with lots of options for athletes. It has an 8-field baseball and softball complex, 18-hole disc golf championship course, paved and unpaved walking and jogging trails, mountain bike trails, a grass volleyball court, horseshoe pits and tetherball.
Barfield also has amenities for both campers and day visitors: ten picnic shelters with tables, restrooms, 12 private campsites, a group campsite, a greenway trailhead and two playgrounds.
The Wilderness Station at Barfield features two classrooms, restrooms and an outdoor store, with many family events and educational opportunities scheduled throughout the year.
Rutherford County’s greenways are also great locations for events, like the Greenway 100 and Boat Day. The Greenway Art Festival has been a local favorite for 18 years, featuring the work of local artists, with performances, food vendors and entertainment for all ages. The festival is free and family-friendly. Join the fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023 in Old Fort Park.
Smyrna
Smyrna gets in on greenway events with things like the Top Gun Night Run, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. September 15. The run is a fundraiser for the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial. The end of the race is highlighted by live music, food trucks and trophy presentations at the inspiring memorial. In addition to special events and nature excursions, locals use the greenway to get from point A to point B in town.
The Sharp Springs park section of the Smyrna greenway system is especially popular, says Mike Moss, Director of Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department. “The section has the feel of being miles out of the town while being a mile from Sam Ridley Parkway,” he says.
Sharp Springs is a 360-acre park with an abundance of things to do. The park boasts four ponds, natural areas, wildlife, practice fields, disc golf, picnic shelters and open areas. Greenway users can take advantage of educational signage, tables and benches along the route, as well as new restrooms. A 1.3-mile leg of this greenway runs from the disc golf course to the Jefferson Springs Recreation Area, with great views of Percy Priest Lake.
“The historical and educational signage along the greenway from Lee Victory Park to Sharp Springs make the greenway different from the average trail,” Mike says. That includes informational signage about the former Sewart Air Force Base (now Smyrna Airport ) where it runs though the old base. “Many folks probably do not know the airport used to be an Air Force Base.”
Pro Tip: Bring the Littles
The greenway and trails in and near Smyrna’s Lee Victory Park are good for small children and strollers. Visitors can stay close to their vehicles while experiencing a great trail with many amenities. It’s the most visited park in the system, located in the heart of Smyrna.
The entire Murfreesboro greenway system is also great for families with small children and accessible to strollers. The best sections for relatively flat walking (with a few hills) are from Thompson Lane Trailhead to Old Fort Park, and from Barfield Park to Cason Trailhead. “The North Greenway is great for families, but be prepared for a few steep inclines,” Kristin adds.
Greenways are typically linear in nature and are used to connect multiple facilities, with some nice trail loops that can be accessed by the Smyrna Greenway system. Those include Lee Victory Park, Rotary Soccer Park, Gregory Mill Park and Sharp Springs Park.
Smyrna’s Greenway system also includes two outdoor classrooms. The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center sometimes uses the Mallard Cove Outdoor Classroom. Its location along Stewart Creek makes it a great spot for environmental education. With plenty of shade and seating, greenway patrons often use the outdoor classroom for a rest stop, even when there is no program going on.
The Espey Outdoor Classroom, along the greenway at Sharp Springs Park, can seat about 100 people, and is also used for educational programs.
La Vergne
Family fun is the name of the game in La Vergne, where five beautiful city parks invite visitors and residents to spend the day playing outside.
The city’s largest, and most comprehensive park is Veterans Memorial Park, a 55-acre outdoor hub in the center of town. You can take a leisurely trail walk or stop at the exercise area. It includes a skate park, playground, basketball court for pick-up games, an in-line hockey rink, tennis court, fields for team sports and two pavilions.
Poole Knobs, on the banks of Percy Priest Lake, is an oasis for campers, with picnic facilities and excellent campsites. In addition to all of the water sports opportunities, there are trails for hiking and an archery trail with targets throughout the wooded area.
Pro Tip: Bring a Furry Friend
La Vergne’s Dog Park has separate facilities for large and small dogs, with water and picnic tables. The park, at 377 Stones River Road, is ADA accessible. The Murfreesboro Bark Parks, located off West College Street near the General Bragg Trailhead and at the Cason Trailhead, are canine social centers. Smyrna’s Bark Springs Park is located within Sharp Springs Park, easily accessible off Espey Drive.
Boating access is available at Hurricane Creek, which is also a great place for trail running and walking.
Brookside Park, the newest park in the system, has creekside green space and trails for enjoying the water and views.
Mankin Park has trails for walking and hiking as well as picnic shelters, pavilion and playground.
Bicentennial Park and Lake Forest Park picnic shelters, pavilions and green space. Bicentennial Park includes softball and baseball fields, while Lake Forest has a playground.
All of these greenways add up to days of fun and fitness opportunities for the whole family, including the four-legged members. Rutherford County makes it easy to enjoy nature, see charming downtowns, and get a little exercise, too. Plan your stay and enjoy greenways and so much more!